1959 Sunbeam captured the character of the British sporting car market with the new Alpine roadster while the Rapier carried the make’s sporting saloon tradition in a more refined direction. That means tire choice is not one-size-fits-all across the year: the Alpine uses 13-inch fitments in either a radial 165R13 or a bias-ply 600-13, while the Rapier uses 15-inch fitments in either a radial 155R15 or a bias-ply 560-15. For most owners, the real decision starts with identifying the model first, then deciding whether period-correct bias-ply appearance or radial road manners better suits the way the car will be used.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 1959 Sunbeam
Four tire sizes are used across 1959 Sunbeam vehicles, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full range. The Alpine and Rapier also use different rim diameters, so the first step is confirming the correct model and wheel diameter before deciding between radial and bias-ply construction. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the car.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Alpine|Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
165R13 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 165 millimeters and a 13-inch rim diameter; in this format, the missing aspect ratio conventionally indicates an 80-series profile. This size is specific to the 1959 Sunbeam Alpine and is available from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form, with tubeless examples present and H speed-rated versions reaching 130 mph. Alpine owners who want a more modern-feeling radial in the factory wheel diameter will usually gravitate to this size. It keeps the choice within the Alpine’s 13-inch fitment rather than crossing over to the Rapier’s 15-inch wheel package.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Alpine|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 13 in
600-13 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the leading number represents nominal section width and the final number indicates a 13-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1959 Sunbeam Alpine and is available from BFGoodrich with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall styles. Owners restoring an Alpine to a more period-authentic late-1950s look often favor this size because it preserves the bias-ply character of the era. It is the Alpine’s bias-ply counterpart to the 165R13 radial rather than a fitment for every 1959 Sunbeam model.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Rapier|Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
155R15 is a metric radial size with a nominal section width of 155 millimeters and a 15-inch rim diameter; without a stated aspect ratio, this format conventionally reads as an 80-series radial. This size is specific to the 1959 Sunbeam Rapier and comes from Firestone and Michelin in blackwall form, with tube type and tubeless versions both present and speed ratings that vary by product: T is rated to 118 mph and H is rated to 130 mph. Rapier owners who drive regularly and want radial construction in the correct 15-inch wheel diameter will usually start here. Checking the exact product marking matters because tube status and speed rating are not the same across every 155R15 option.
Year(s): 1959|Fit(s): Rapier|Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 15 in
560-15 is a numeric bias-ply size in which the first number denotes nominal section width and the final number denotes a 15-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 1959 Sunbeam Rapier and is available from Firestone and US Royal with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall sidewall treatments. Owners pursuing a more authentic late-1950s presentation often choose this size because it maintains the period bias-ply look and feel appropriate to a Rapier of this era. It belongs to the Rapier’s 15-inch fitment family and does not interchange with the Alpine’s 13-inch sizes.
Two Sunbeam models are covered for 1959, and they do not share the same tire sizes. The Alpine and Rapier use different wheel diameters as well as different radial and bias-ply pairings, so identifying the model is the first real fitment step before comparing construction type or sidewall style. Select a model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tire choices that apply to that specific Sunbeam.
1959 Sunbeam Alpine
The 1959 Sunbeam Alpine was Sunbeam’s fresh-faced open sports car, aimed at drivers who wanted British roadster character with cleaner, more modern styling than many earlier competitors. Its tires mount on 13-inch wheels, and the choice centers on a 165R13 radial or a 600-13 bias-ply depending on how original or how road-oriented you want the car to feel.
The 1959 Sunbeam Rapier carried Sunbeam’s sporting saloon identity, blending Rootes-group style and touring manners with a more formal body than the Alpine roadster. Its tires mount on 15-inch wheels, with 155R15 covering the radial option and 560-15 representing the bias-ply choice for a more era-appropriate presentation.
Sixteen products are available across four tire sizes for 1959 Sunbeam vehicles. The 165R13 radial comes from Michelin and Dunlop in blackwall form, 600-13 bias-ply options come from BFGoodrich in narrow and wide whitewall styles, 155R15 radials come from Firestone and Michelin in blackwall form, and 560-15 bias-ply options come from Firestone and US Royal with narrow and wide whitewalls. Confirm model, size, and construction first, since tube status and speed ratings can vary within the 155R15 range.
These FAQs sort out the model-specific size split between the 1959 Sunbeam Alpine and Rapier, the bias-ply-versus-radial decision inside each model line, sidewall style choices, and the upkeep concerns that matter on lightly driven collector cars.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 1959 Sunbeam vehicles?
1959 Sunbeam vehicles use four sizes across two models. The Alpine uses either 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply tires on 13-inch rims, while the Rapier uses either 155R15 radial or 560-15 bias-ply tires on 15-inch rims. Rim width guidance appears within the product ranges: 165R13 commonly fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, 600-13 fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims, 155R15 appears on 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, and 560-15 appears on 4.5-inch or 4.50 to 5.50-inch rims depending on the tire.
That means year and make alone are not enough for tire selection on a 1959 Sunbeam. The first question is whether the car is an Alpine or a Rapier, because the wheel diameter changes with the model. After that, the decision becomes one of construction and appearance within the correct model family, not a matter of mixing 13-inch and 15-inch fitments.
What does 600-13 mean on a 1959 Sunbeam tire?
On a 1959 Sunbeam, 600-13 is a traditional numeric bias-ply size. The 600 refers to nominal section width in the older inch-based sizing convention, and the 13 identifies the rim diameter in inches. On this year and make, 600-13 belongs to the Alpine rather than the Rapier, and it appears in bias-ply construction with whitewall sidewall choices.
Modern buyers often mistake numeric sizes for direct metric equivalents, but they represent an older sizing language tied to period construction. If your 1959 Sunbeam Alpine is being restored with an emphasis on late-1950s presentation, 600-13 is the size to compare first. If your priority is radial construction on the Alpine, the companion fitment to evaluate is 165R13 instead.
Do all 1959 Sunbeam models use the same tire size?
No, 1959 Sunbeam models do not all use the same tire size. The Alpine uses 13-inch fitments, either 165R13 radial or 600-13 bias-ply, while the Rapier uses 15-inch fitments, either 155R15 radial or 560-15 bias-ply. Each of those sizes is model-specific rather than shared across the full 1959 Sunbeam range.
That split matters because choosing by year and make alone can put you in the wrong wheel diameter before you even begin comparing tire construction. A 1959 Sunbeam owner should confirm the body style and model name on the car first, then compare the radial and bias-ply options that belong to that model. It is a simpler process once the Alpine-versus-Rapier question is settled.
Buying the Right Tire
Should I choose the 165R13 or the 600-13 for my 1959 Sunbeam?
For a 1959 Sunbeam Alpine, the choice between 165R13 and 600-13 is mainly a choice between radial and bias-ply construction within the same 13-inch model family. The 165R13 is a radial blackwall option, while the 600-13 is a bias-ply size offered with whitewall styling. Both belong to the Alpine, not the Rapier.
Owners who want the more period-typical late-1950s look usually start with 600-13, especially on a restoration where sidewall appearance matters. Owners who expect more regular road use often compare the 165R13 first because it keeps the correct wheel diameter while moving to radial construction. The decision should be made around how the Alpine will be presented and driven, not by treating the two sizes as interchangeable across every 1959 Sunbeam.
What sidewall styles are available for 1959 Sunbeam tires?
1959 Sunbeam tire choices include both blackwall and whitewall treatments, depending on size and model. The radial sizes, 165R13 for the Alpine and 155R15 for the Rapier, are blackwall offerings. The bias-ply sizes, 600-13 and 560-15, carry the whitewall variety, with narrow and wide whitewall versions available depending on the specific size and brand.
That gives owners a meaningful appearance choice in addition to a construction choice. A blackwall radial tends to suit a driver-focused presentation, while the bias-ply whitewall options lean more toward a showroom-period look that feels at home on a late-1950s British car. If authenticity matters for events or judging, sidewall treatment is worth confirming before you commit to a tire family.
What brands make tires for 1959 Sunbeam vehicles?
1959 Sunbeam tire coverage comes from several established brands, with the exact brand mix depending on size. The 165R13 Alpine radial is available from Michelin and Dunlop, the 600-13 Alpine bias-ply from BFGoodrich, the 155R15 Rapier radial from Firestone and Michelin, and the 560-15 Rapier bias-ply from Firestone and US Royal. Brand choice is tied to size first, not simply to the make name.
That brand spread gives owners room to choose within the correct fitment rather than forcing one universal answer across the whole year and make. A buyer deciding between Alpine and Rapier should narrow the model and wheel diameter first, then compare the brands that exist within that specific size family. Construction, sidewall style, and tube status can matter just as much as the brand name itself.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 1959 Sunbeam tires require?
Rim width guidance varies by size on 1959 Sunbeam vehicles. The Alpine’s 165R13 radial commonly fits 4.50 to 6.00-inch rims, while the 600-13 bias-ply fits 4.00 to 4.50-inch rims. On the Rapier, 155R15 radial options appear on 4.00 to 5.50-inch rims, and 560-15 bias-ply options appear on 4.5-inch rims or 4.50 to 5.50-inch rims depending on the tire.
That range is why wheel verification matters even after you have identified the correct model and rim diameter. A tire can share the correct 13-inch or 15-inch diameter and still have a narrower preferred wheel-width window than another option in the same model family. Checking the actual wheel before ordering is especially important on restored cars that may no longer wear their original rims.
Do 1959 Sunbeam tires require inner tubes?
Inner-tube requirements on 1959 Sunbeam tires depend on the exact size and product. The 165R13 Alpine radial includes tubeless examples, while the 155R15 Rapier radial varies by product, with both tube-type and tubeless versions present. The bias-ply 600-13 and 560-15 sizes do not carry tube markings in the same way, so the wheel design and the exact tire chosen should be checked together before final fitment decisions are made.
Tube status matters because it affects installation planning, valve stem service, and how you inspect the tire setup over time. On a Rapier running 155R15, the sidewall marking deserves close attention because two tires in the same size can differ on that point. On any older Sunbeam wheel, matching the tire’s tube designation to the wheel’s condition and construction is part of doing the job correctly.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 1959 Sunbeam when the tires are fitted?
A 1959 Sunbeam stores best in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, welders, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment that can accelerate sidewall aging. Keep the tires clean, maintain proper inflation, and move the car periodically so the same section of tread does not carry the load for months at a time. Bias-ply tires are generally more prone to temporary flat-spotting during long static storage than radials.
That matters on a 1959 Sunbeam because both models offer a choice between older-style bias-ply and later-style radial construction within their own fitment families. If the car will sit for a season, some owners prefer to roll it occasionally or support it in a way that reduces prolonged load on one contact patch. Good storage practice protects appearance, ride quality, and service life no matter which construction you choose.
How long do tires on a 1959 Sunbeam typically last?
Tires on a 1959 Sunbeam should be judged more by age and condition than by mileage, since collector cars often accumulate very few miles each year. A practical rule is to begin close age-and-condition evaluation around five to seven years and to treat around ten years as the point where replacement deserves serious consideration regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code, sidewall condition, and pressure retention history all matter more than odometer readings alone.
A lightly used Alpine or Rapier can look fine at a glance while still carrying aged rubber that has hardened or begun to crack. That is especially easy to miss on a car that comes out only for fair-weather use. If there is any doubt, age the tire by its sidewall date code and inspect it like a safety component, not simply as a cosmetic part of the restoration.
How often should tires on a 1959 Sunbeam be inspected?
Tires on a 1959 Sunbeam deserve a quick inspection before every drive and a more thorough check before any longer outing. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular tread wear, and signs of pressure loss, and make sure the spare is in similar condition. If the setup uses tube-type construction, valve stems and slow leaks deserve extra attention because they can be easy to overlook on a collector car.
Frequent inspection is more important on an older British car than many owners expect because low annual mileage can hide age-related issues until the day the car is finally driven at speed. A two-minute walkaround catches many problems early. It also gives you a chance to confirm that the tire still suits the planned trip, especially if the car has been parked for several weeks.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 1959 Sunbeam Alpine?
A 1959 Sunbeam Alpine would have been associated with period bias-ply fitment when new, and within this year-make family the bias-ply Alpine size is 600-13. The radial alternative for the Alpine is 165R13, which keeps the 13-inch wheel diameter but reflects a later driving preference rather than the most era-typical construction. Original-equipment branding could vary by market and supply, so size and construction are the first authenticity points to settle.
For a historically minded Alpine restoration, 600-13 is the size to investigate first, especially if judging standards or period photographs matter to the project. Owners seeking market-specific certainty should compare the car’s surviving paperwork and consult Sunbeam marque specialists or club resources. Those sources can help narrow regional delivery differences without confusing the basic fitment split between Alpine and Rapier.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 1959 Sunbeam?
Correct tire fitment can matter a great deal when showing a 1959 Sunbeam, especially in concours or authenticity-focused classes. Judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts often notice whether the tire size matches the model, whether the construction is appropriate to the period, and whether the sidewall treatment suits the way the car would have appeared when new. An Alpine on a Rapier-size 15-inch fitment, or a highly modern-looking radial where originality is being judged closely, can stand out for the wrong reason.
That does not mean every show car must wear the same type of tire, because event standards vary widely. It does mean the owner should decide early whether the goal is factory-style presentation, sympathetic touring preparation, or a blend of both. Marque clubs and event rule books are the best places to confirm how strongly construction and sidewall details are weighed in a specific judging environment.
What tires were originally fitted to the 1959 Sunbeam Rapier?
A 1959 Sunbeam Rapier belongs to the same late-1950s period in which bias-ply construction was still the standard expectation, and its bias-ply size in this year-make range is 560-15. The radial counterpart is 155R15, which keeps the Rapier’s 15-inch wheel diameter but changes the construction style. Original-equipment brand name should not be assumed without period paperwork or marque-specific confirmation.
For restoration work, that means the 560-15 is the natural starting point when the goal is an era-correct presentation. The available narrow and wide whitewall treatments also make sidewall appearance part of the authenticity conversation, not just the size itself. If the car is being prepared for judging, compare your tire choice against period photos, factory literature, and club expertise before finalizing the look.
Safety & Road Use
Are 1959 Sunbeam tires safe for highway driving?
1959 Sunbeam tires can be suitable for highway use when the correct size is chosen, the tires are in sound condition, and their speed rating matches the intended use. The 165R13 Alpine radial appears in H-rated form up to 130 mph, while the Rapier’s 155R15 radial range includes T-rated versions to 118 mph and H-rated versions to 130 mph. The bias-ply sizes do not carry those same modern speed-letter markings in the products here, so their use should be approached with the normal caution appropriate to period-style construction.
Real-world road safety on a 1959 Sunbeam also depends heavily on the car itself. Brake condition, steering wear, alignment, suspension health, and the shorter wheelbase character of a vintage British car can matter at least as much as the tire’s nominal rating at ordinary highway speeds. A well-sorted car on the correct tires is the goal, not simply the highest number on the sidewall.
What inflation pressure should I use for 1959 Sunbeam tires?
Inflation pressure on 1959 Sunbeam tires should follow the tire maker’s rating information and the vehicle manufacturer’s original guidance for the specific model and size. Load-and-pressure figures present in this range include 600-13 at 1,010 pounds at 32 psi, 560-15 at 970 pounds at 32 psi, and 155R15 examples at 1,045 pounds at 44 psi. Those numbers describe tire capacity conditions and should not be transferred casually from one size to another.
The practical approach is to start with the handbook specification for your exact Alpine or Rapier, then confirm that the chosen reproduction or radial tire does not call for a different operating approach within its approved use. Front-to-rear pressures can also differ on vintage cars. Matching the pressure to the exact model, size, and tire construction is more important than chasing a single universal number.
What should I check before taking a 1959 Sunbeam on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 1959 Sunbeam, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, bulges, irregular wear, and proper inflation, and do the same for the spare. Make sure valve stems are sound, and pay close attention to tube-related service details if the chosen tire uses a tube-type setup. On a Rapier with 155R15 radials, checking the exact sidewall marking is especially worthwhile because tube status can differ from one product to another in the same size.
That tire check should be part of a broader pre-trip routine on any late-1950s car, including brakes, cooling, steering, and fluid levels. A Sunbeam that feels fine on a short local run can reveal weaknesses once heat, speed, and time begin to build. Treat the tires as the first point of contact with the road, then make sure the rest of the car is equally ready for the distance.
